Author: Fuqiang Li, Shanjie Yuan, Jie Gao

On June 18th, 2020, Shanjie Yuan, an undergraduate majoring in linguistics in the Department of Linguistics,conducted an interview with Fuqiang Li, who has been awarded the title of the Excellent Graduate of the Department of Linguistics of BLCU and the Excellent Graduate in Beijing. In the interview, Fuqiang Li looked back over his graduate study life in BLCU, and shared his experiences on task planning, research, learning attitude, social practice activities, overseas study experience and so on. In the interview, Fuqiang Li unreservedly shared his suggestions and experiences with the junior students. He also sincerely expressed his deep gratitude to BLCU, the Department of Linguistics and professors, sent his best wished to the future development of BLCU and the department.

Personal Profile

Fuqiang Li, male, from Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province. He is a Ph.D graduate of 2020 atthe Department of Linguistics of BLCU, majoring inLinguistics andApplied linguistics in Foreign Languages, under the supervision of Prof. Fuzhen Si.

He was awardedthe NationalScholarship forDoctoralStudents, the Chinese Scholarship, the First Scholarship of BLCU and some other scholarships. He is the member of thecouncil of the International Association of Syntactic Cartographic Studies (Macao). During the last three years, he has participated in many international conferences and presented his work there. He also published two academic papers and was in charge of or involved in four projects. His research interests are the theoretical linguistics and syntactic cartographic studies. And he likes travelling and swimming.

An Interview with Fuqiang Li

Q: During your Ph.D period, did you make any goals for your future? How did you implement them？

A: I planned for the future during my Ph.D period, but not a long-term plan. Personally, I prefer to plan step by step. As for the long-term plan, there is only one general direction in my mind. My goal for the short-term plan is to graduate on time, and to fulfill the requirement of being a student. For those small goals, such as, taking how much time to read a book, or finish an article, I will set up an approximate time. These tasks will be split into several days, with “one day one task”. Of course, the amount of these tasks should be realistic, otherwise it will only make me feel much pressure and give up. Prof. Si recommended a learning method to me, which has always been very helpful to me. She told us to carry a small notebook all the time and to write down what I need to do and what I think or hear from time to time. These notes are likely to be the starting point of an article or even the birthplace of the dissertation. At the same time, this small notebook is also an “alarm” to remind me of the plan to be completed.

Q: During your study, you organized several international conferences and studied abroad. How did these experiences help you?

A: Organizing international conferences improved my working abilities. Shortly after I was admitted to BLCU in 2014, Prof. Si gave me the opportunity to assist in organizing the “Return to China” project entrusted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. At that time, I didn’t know if I could do it well or not. I spared no effort to do anything with my full heart. Fortunately, everything went well. From this project, what I was benefited from was more than the improvement of my working ability, it also enhanced of my self-confidence. I found that I could do some things. Later, I became more proficient in organizing the International Workshop on Syntactic Cartography, the 24th International Association of Chinese Linguistics and the Annual Conference of X’- Workshop.

The experience of studying abroad is very helpful to my research. At that time, the department of University of Geneva arranged a desk in the office for me, so that I could communicate and discuss with professors and colleagues there, with respect to the problems I encountered in the process of composing. This has greatly improved my research ability, and the habits I have developed there have benefited me a lot.

Q: In your opinion, what’s the most important attitude in scientific research?

A: Patience. Scientific research is not an easy thing, especially for us who are doing linguistics, the paper we write cannot be called article when it is saved in a Word. It still calls for more revision and polish. In addition, the comments from different reviewers will point your defects with no mercy. This is actually the darkest time for the writer. Generally, what we need most at this time is to be patient and calmly sit down to see if their opinions are really reasonable, and if their opinions can really make the paper better. At the same time, be patient with yourself. Paper or idea is not something that can be thought of, written down and published all at once. When you are doubting yourself, be patient, and you may find a way out.

Q: Have you ever been through a tough time? How did you overcome stress and balance your study and life?

A: I have always felt that life is like an electrocardiogram. It has its ups and downs. It cannot be smooth all the way. I have also had my ups and downs. I think that’s the darkest time during my Ph.D period, and those who’s ever done a Ph.D knows that well. In fact, stress cannot be overcomed but only to be adjusted. Some space should be given to breath and we should know that excessive stress will crush us. For me, I was able to get it through it, I should thank my teachers, friends and family, for their countless understanding and support. They constantly gave me encouragement and told me not to worry, milk and bread are not far away. I don’t really have a good balance between study and life. The reason I say this is because I am a full-time student, and I do not have too much pressure from my family. All I have to do is to fulfill the tasks of being a student. My daily life in campus is also regular and planned, so I guess that’s what helped me to graduate on time.

Q: As an excellent graduate, do you have any suggestions and experiences to share with the junior students on their study and life?

A: For major study, I’d like to talk about my own study method, it might be helpful to you. During my doctoral study, I always look for topics I am interested in on the basis of course learning. For example, on the research of the problem of “you” in Chinese, I will first study it thoroughly. After having a general understanding of the development of the whole topic, I will select one point to conduct my research. For example, my doctoral dissertation is the cartographic study of “you + VP” construction. We don’t have to do too much at one time, and it also follow the principle of “local simplicity”, and it goes the same for doing things. We can write down the ideas coming to mind or the discussions with teachers and classmates, rather than leaving them in your brain. Moreover, the process of writing is also the process of thinking. Try to discuss with teachers and classmates, one’s own viewpoint is limited, more discussions can lead to a multi-dimensional view for one topic, so as to move things forward.

As for the suggestions on life, I hope you can keep a healthy timetable, and never give up doing exercise, and be health both physically and mentally.

Q: You must have a lot of unforgettable time in the Department of Linguistics of BLCU. What has the Department of Linguistics brought to you and what would you like to say to BLCU and your teachers?

A: I planned to say good-bye to everything at BLCU before graduation. However, due to the COVID-19, it is not safe for us graduates to go back to the campus. I don’t know when we can meet again. It is sad to talk on this topic. I have studied at BLCU for six years. When it comes the time to leave, there is always some sentimental attachment. Some many unforgettable moments at BLCU. And I also achieved a lot here. To say what BLCU and the Department of Linguistics have brought to me, the answer might be that they made me who I am. They gave me the opportunity to grow up, to improve, and to meet everyone. I always feel that I am very lucky to have been able to complete my study under the guidance of Prof. Si, there must be some tie to link us together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my teachers: I am grateful to meet you all, thank you for your guidance and accompany, and I have continuously enriched my knowledge and experience during the time. I will always work hard, continue to fight, and live up to my own expectations and yours as well. I would like to thank BLCU: I am very proud to be a BlCUer, I wish you the best and to cultivate more excellent students. I am in the full hope for our next beautiful encounter.

The road ahead will be full of difficulties, but it is still worth looking forward to. As a BLCUer, we would like you to bear the motto of BLCU all the time, and remain true to your original aspiration and be loyal to yourself. At the same time, we wish you be down to earth and strive to realize your dream!